Poultry feeder



Dec. 13, 1932. D. 1.. GERMAN POULTRY FEEDER Filed July 3. 1930 5Sheets-Sheet 1 j gl 5d fl, i6

I nvcnlor 25 yerinan/ By 2mm A lfomey Dec. 13, 1932. I L, GER AN1,890,778

POULTRY FEEDER Filed July 3, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 .Z l/j/ f1 X 3.? 6

Z I TT TTW T T a a u u- I a a a a 2 i? 1' J0 W 1 I I 1.1

Attorney Dec. 13, 1932. D GERMAN 1,890,778

POULTRY FEEDER Filed July 5. 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Inventor jzlfirinaii/ A lforneu Patented Dec. 13, 1932 UNITED STATES DELMAR .L.GERMAN, OF GLEN ELDER, KANSAS POULTRY FEEDER Application filed July 3,1930. Serial No. 465,699.

This invention relates to an improved poultry feeder, which isespecially designed for feeding chickens ranging from babyhood tomaturity.

Briefly stated, the improved structure is characterized by appropriatesupporting means for a horizontal longitudinally elongated trough, andan associated gravitation feed hopper structure.

One feature of novelty is predicated upon the provision of a trough,which is distinguished by the presence of longitudinally spacedtransversely disposed divider or partitioning plates, serving to definea plurality of independent cells or compartments to expedite feeding andto prevent undue wastage in windy and stormy weather.

A. further advantage and feature is founded on the provision ofadjustable perches, which may be regulated to the desired elevation tofacilitate feeding by different sizes of chickens.

An equally important refinement and development is found in the presencein the structure of a gravity feed hopper, which is so associated withthe cellular trough as to insure proper levelling and distribution ofthe feed, the hopper and its roof construction having the additionalfunction of a water shed and protecting housing for the feed.

A still further distinction is embodied in the provision of a horizontalreel, which is disposed above the apex of the hopper to frustrateroosting of chickens thereon, and to minimize the possibility ofallowing droppings and dirt to enter and contaminate the feed in thetrough.

An added structural difference is predicated upon a flanged feedreceiving and delivering trough associated with especially designedlongitudinally spaced perpendicular partition members, together withhorizontal slide plates for regulating the size of the r opening throughwhich the feed is rendered accessible.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent from thefollowing description and drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a feeder constructed inaccordance with the present inventive conception.

Figure 2 is a central horizontal section through the same, the sectionbeing on the line 22 of Fig. 4. I

Figure 3 is a central vertical section through the structure seen inFigure 4.

Figure 4 is a transverse vertical section.

Figure 5 is a view like Figure 4 showin a supporting leg structureattached thereto or elevating the device.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary end elevational view of the structure seen inFigure 5.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of one of the partition plates. 1

' Figure 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of one of the adjustingslides.

In the drawings, the numerals 9 designate vertical end plates with whicha roof structure is associated. The roof comprises a sta-' tionaryinclined section 10 and a lid or cover section 11. The latter section ish'ingedly mounted as at 12 between a pair of uprights 13 projectingabove the apex portion of the roof. Incidently these uprights l3 serveto accommodate a bla dedrotary reel 14.

This sort of a roost construction serves to prevent the roosting of thefowls and there by adds to the sanitary feature of the construction.

The end plates are provided near the bottom with a plurality of pairs ofbolt holes 15 to accommodate the bolts 16 for retaining the bracketsl?in place. The brackets constitute supporting e ements for a pair ofperch boards 18. These perch boards are located on oppos te sides of thebox-like trough 18. The side walls of the trough are formed at theirupper ends with intu'rnedguard flanges 19. l

The feed hopper comprises a pair of inwardly and downwardly convergingwalls 20 and 21 defining a restricted discharge slot 22 which emptiescentrally into the trough l8 and as will be seen in Figs. 4 and 5, thelower end of the hopper projects slightly into the trough.

The numerals 23 designate a multiplicity of substantially triangularpartition plates which have attaching flanges 24 bolted to therespective walls 20 and 21. These partitions are disposed inlongitudinally spaced perpendicular relationship and deline individualfeeding compartment-s. It will'be observed that the lower end portionsof the partitions project slightly into the trough said end portions arein alinement with the lower edges of the hopper walls and the projectingends are formed with notches 25 which receive the adjacent edge portionsof the flanges 19.

These notches also serve to accommodate horizontal slides and adjustingplates 26. These plates have upturned slotted flanges 27 at the oppositeends adjustably bolted to the end walls 9. These plates 26 over-ride theflanges 19 to permit the discharge opening or entrances for the feed boxto be adjusted.

The adjustable arrangement of the entrance openings as well as theadjustable positioning of the perches l8 renders the device ofdiversified and unique form.

Under certain conditions a supporting stand is provided for elevatingthe structure above the ground. This comprises a plurality of legs 28secured by bolts 29 in the aforesaid bolt holes 15 as shown in Figures 5and 6. Attached to these legs are angle irons 30 which project outwardlya distance sufiicient to support the perch board 31. The numerals 32merely designate braces.

This arrangement provides a cellular form of feed trough, and providesthe desired capacity and feeding space for a multiplicity of chickens.

With an arrangement of the type specified, it is obvious that the feedis delivered from the hopper, under the action of gravity, and

is separated into the individual cells or pockets of the divided trough.Thus, undue wastage, by overflowing, is avoided. The rotary reelprevents roosting on top of the structure, and thereby eliminatesdropping from entering and contaminating the feed in the trough.

The inclined sections of the roof of the hopper, facilitate shedding ofrain and droppings. The size of the hopper is proportionate to the widthof the trough, to permit the hopper to have the additional function of aprotecting housing for the feed in the hopper. Thus the device isequally adapted for outdoor use, without undue interference by inclementweather.

It is thought that persons skilled in the art to which the inventionrelates will be able to obtain a clear understanding of the inventionafter considering the description in connection with the drawings.Therefore, a more lengthly description is regarded as unnecessary.

Minor changes in shape, size,and rearrangement of details coming withinthe field of invention claimed may be resorted to in actual practice ifdesired.

I claim:

1. A poultry feeder of the class described comprising a trough, a hopperhaving downwardly converging sides, the lower ends of which extendslightly into the trough, spaced partition plates connected to the outerface of each side of the hopper with their lower ends in alinement withthe lower edges of the sides of the hopper, a slide member located overeach side of the trough and adjustable toward and away from the hopperfor regulating the feeding openings of the trough, said partitionmembers having slots in their outer edges adjacent their lower ends forreceiving the sliding members. i

2. A poultry feeder of the class described comprising a trough, a hopperhaving downwardly converging sides, the lower ends of which extendslightly into the trough, spaced partition plates connected to the outerface of each side of the hopper with their lower ends in alinement withthe lower edges of the sides of the hopper, a slide member located overeach side of the trough and adjustable toward and away from the hopperfor regulating the feeding openings of the trough, said partitionmembers having slots in their outer edges adj acent their lower ends forreceiving the sliding members, and a vertically adjustable perch at eachside of the trough.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

DELMAR L. GERMAN.

